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Cosmetic dentistry

Small improvements, done with restraint.

Whitening, bonding, veneers, and cosmetic repairs for patients who want their smile to look better without looking overdone. Serving Johnstown, NY and the surrounding Fulton and Montgomery Counties.

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Dr. Steven Bauman explaining cosmetic treatment options with a dental model at Dunning Family Dental in Johnstown, NY.

Cosmetic work should still look like you.

We do not pitch makeovers. If a small change is what you want, we do that. If a larger change is right, we explain it, once, and you decide.

Patient-led, never pushed

What patients usually ask for

Common cosmetic conversations.

Most cosmetic visits start with one of four asks. The right answer is usually simpler than people expect.

Whiter teeth, without the gimmicks

In-office whitening or take-home trays, both with their own trade-offs on time, sensitivity, and cost. Candidacy depends on tooth structure and the presence of restorations in the smile line.

A small chip or imperfection

Composite bonding can repair chips, smooth small edges, or refine the look of a single tooth. Case-dependent service life; refresh or replacement may be needed over the years.

Even, natural-looking front teeth

Veneers are the most invasive cosmetic option. They involve permanent preparation of the tooth surface, which is not reversible. Discussed only when smaller changes cannot achieve the goal.

A smile that just looks tired

Sometimes the honest answer is a thorough cleaning and a re-evaluation of bite, not cosmetic work at all. We say so when that is the case.

What cosmetic dentistry includes

Cosmetic work should still look like you.

We do not pitch makeovers. We listen to what you want to change, explain the simplest realistic options, and start with the most conservative path that can get the result you want.

In-office whitening

A single appointment with a stronger gel and isolation of the gums.

Take-home whitening trays

Custom-fit trays worn over a week or two. Sensitivity response varies by patient.

Composite bonding

Tooth-colored material added to fix chips, gaps, or short teeth. Less invasive than veneers when the goal can be met with bonding.

Veneers

Thin porcelain or composite facings on the front of teeth. Involve permanent preparation of the tooth surface.

Tooth contouring

Subtle reshaping of the edges of teeth. Anesthetic use depends on the case.

Cosmetic crowns

When a structurally compromised tooth also needs to look better, a crown can address both.

What to expect

A conversation before any change.

Cosmetic decisions get made carefully because they are harder to undo. The pace at Dunning is slow on purpose.

  1. 1

    Call the office

    Tell us what you would like to change and when you are hoping to have it done. The front desk will schedule the right visit type.

  2. 2

    Quiet consultation

    Dr. D'Addio looks at what you have, listens to what you want, and explains the realistic options, including doing nothing.

  3. 3

    Plan, then begin

    Once you decide what to do, the number of appointments and the sequencing depend on what you chose. The plan lays it out before any work starts.

Common questions

Practical answers, plainly written.

Will whitening damage my teeth?
Professionally supervised whitening, used as directed, is not designed to damage enamel. Sensitivity is a common short-term side effect and usually resolves after treatment ends. Whitening is not recommended for teeth with active decay or unaddressed dental issues; those are addressed first.
How long does whitening last?
Results are case-dependent and change over time based on coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and other staining habits. Touch-up trays can help maintain results between fuller treatments. The specific timeline for any patient is discussed at the consultation.
Are veneers reversible?
Most veneers involve permanent preparation of the tooth surface, which is not reversible. The amount of preparation depends on the case and the material chosen. Because the step is not reversible, case selection and consultation matter, which is why veneers are usually recommended only when smaller options (whitening, bonding) cannot achieve the goal.
Who is a candidate for whitening, bonding, or veneers?
Whitening: candidates have structurally healthy teeth and no active decay; existing crowns and fillings in the smile line do not lighten and may need to be replaced after whitening for the shades to match. Bonding: candidates typically have small chips, gaps, or shape concerns that can be addressed conservatively. Veneers: usually reserved for larger changes or multiple teeth. The final call happens at consultation.
Will insurance cover cosmetic work?
Insurance plans typically do not cover purely cosmetic procedures. Some cover a portion when there is a functional component. Dunning is out of network; before treatment, the front desk provides a written estimate and can talk through plan-specific expectations. CareCredit is available as third-party financing for spreading larger treatment across months; approval and terms are set by CareCredit. See the insurance and payment page for the full flow.
I just want a tooth that does not bother me anymore. Do I need cosmetic work?
Often not. We start by figuring out whether what is bothering you is cosmetic, functional, or both. Many concerns resolve with restorative work or even a thorough cleaning. We say so when that is the case.
What if I do not like the result?
For whitening: results vary; realistic outcomes are discussed before starting. For bonding: it can be polished or replaced. For veneers: temporaries are used so you can see the planned shape before the final is made. That order gives you a decision point before the permanent step.

Related services

Other paths from the same chair.

Cosmetic work usually pairs with, or follows, other dental care.

General and preventive

A thorough cleaning is often the first step toward a better-looking smile.

Restorative dentistry

When the underlying tooth needs structural work, restorative comes first.

Family dental care

Care that supports long-term oral health across life stages.

Ready to ask the question quietly?

A short phone call keeps the conversation private and helps the front desk match you with the right visit type.

Call to schedule
Dunning Family Dental 310 Jansen Avenue Johnstown, NY 12095 (518) 842-3220

Honest dentistry for families who want the long view.

518-842-3220 Call now